Victoria Day in Canada Date in the current year: May 20, 2024

Victoria Day once was the major holiday in the British Empire, but today the celebration of this day is more humble. Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819 and died on January 22, 1901. After the death of Queen her birthday was made by law a holiday in Canada. From 1901 till 1904 Victoria Day was celebrated exactly on May 24, until this day was also proclaimed Empire Day. Through decades Victoria Day date was changed by various royal proclamations until the haphazard format was abandoned. In 1952 the date of the holiday was finally shifted to the last Monday before May 25.

Victoria Day in Canada was introduced to commemorate Queen Victoria, who was the major figure in the development of the country. Modern celebration of the holiday is not followed by some ceremonies or parades. Although Canada is the only country that commemorates Queen Victoria with an official holiday, the Canadians regard the day as an additional day off.